MIAMI, Florida — Ward Ruddock, a personal injury and property insurance law firm founded by Ian G. Ward, Esq. and Omari S. Ruddock, Esq., presented the Book Award Scholarship to University of Miami School of Law honors graduate, Dawn Jamison at the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association & Foundation 43rd Annual Scholarship & Installation Gala. Held on May 11, 2024 at the Intercontinental Hotel Miami, the event celebrated the Bahamian roots of Miami and raised thousands of dollars in scholarships for law students.  

Jamison, a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, returned to her hometown to study for the Minnesota Bar exam. While in law school, she was a member of the Black Law Student Association and a Student Representative on the Academic Standards Committee. Before enrolling in law school, Jamison earned a B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, which she completed in two years. Her plans include serving her community and creating a family foundation that provides scholarships to minority students in Minneapolis. 

“Our law firm is committed to supporting the next generation of advocates. We are thrilled to provide this book scholarship to a dedicated law student, empowering them with the resources needed to excel in their studies and future career.  By providing this book scholarship, we emphasize the importance of supporting one another in our community, ensuring a strong future for justice and advocacy for all,” said WARD RUDDOCK.

With 20 years of combined legal experience and millions of dollars recovered from insurance companies, Ward Ruddock offers empathetic and enthusiastic advocacy to their clients. They are committed to winning for those who cannot afford to lose, offering in-depth evaluations and continuous follow-up to each client who seeks their services. Their presentation of the Book Award Scholarship to Dawn Jamison is another example of the firm’s commitment to the Miami community and the next generation of lawyers following in their footsteps throughout the United States. 

For more information, visit WardRuddock.com. 

About the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association 

In 1977, The Black Lawyers Association was founded by a group of lawyers who realized that barriers to full inclusion into the legal community in Miami-Dade County could only be overcome through a collective effort. Lawyers such as Harold Fields, George Knox, Harold Long, Jesse McCrary, Ralph Person, Clinton Pitts and H.T. Smith were the visionaries who brought this dream to life. H.T. Smith served as the first President of The Black Lawyers Association for three (3) years and was succeeded by our first woman President, Joyce Knox.

Since that time, 34 other Black lawyers have served as the Association’s President, and The Black Lawyers Association has had a significant impact on the legal, civic and political landscape of Miami-Dade County. In addition, The Black Lawyers Association has provided financial assistance and mentoring to a large number of law and undergraduate students. It has implemented mentoring programs with elementary and junior high school students and oratorical contests for high school students.

In September 2003, The Black Lawyers Association formally changed its name to The Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association. The name change was in recognition of the outstanding contributions Judge Ferguson made to our community. Today, the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association remains committed to the ideal of equal access, equal opportunity and equal justice in the legal system.

About Ward Ruddock 

Founded by attorneys Ian G. Ward, Esq. and Omari S. Ruddock, Esq., Ward Ruddock is a personal injury and property insurance law firm based in Miami. With over 20 years of combined legal experience, the firm offers personalized services for every type of claim and has recovered millions of dollars from insurance companies. Ward Ruddock also provides a Spanish language option, direct attorney access, and flexible hours to better serve the interests and protect the rights of every client who seeks their services.  

Ward Ruddock ~ Your Lifelong Legal Partner